Explore Marrakech
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www.marrakech.tapestryholidays.com Marrakech provides a natural street theatre of amazing variety
- the recurring impression is that you've accidentally wandered onto a film set.
The city is divided into two parts. The Medina (old city) is everything one would expect from an ancient Arab city. Pedestrians, moped riders and donkeys with carts all vie for space on the narrow cobbled streets, lined with shops selling everything from traditional Berber cloaks to mobile phones. Outside the Medina's walls, wide Parisian-style avenues lined with shops, restaurants and cafés show the lasting influence of French rule, with the feel of a modern European city. However it doesn't take long for the illusion to be shattered by a donkey and cart riding by, or three men in kaftans somehow balanced on a bike.
The true heart of the Medina is Djemaa El Fna Square, marked by its proximity to the Koutoubia Mosque Minaret, one of the most impressive pieces of North African monument architecture.
In ancient times the square was a meeting point for the tradesmen of Northwest Africa. Today locals and tourists alike gather to see the snake charmers, musicians and storytellers and to eat at the hundreds of food stalls selling fresh orange juice, ginseng tea, snails and sheep brains (not a popular stop for most tourists). Visitors wander through this fascinating scene seemingly unnoticed by local people going about their business - although attracting some attention from the stall holders of course.
Behind the square a large souk may be found. The seemingly endless selection of shops is an entertainment in itself. Stop to try some dried fruit or nuts, or to choose a handbag or wallet. Bartering is king here - to pay full price is unheard of and the good natured to-ing and fro-ing adds to the enjoyment.
Despite the hectic activity, Marrakech is a relaxed place for visitors - certainly more so than those who haven't been before would imagine. As in every large city travellers can attract attention, but the 'hassle factor' is much lower than one might expect. In the main, those in Marrakech are left to themselves to wander around and enjoy the experience, barely being noticed by the city's residents.
The warm climate in Marrakech - and only 65 days rainfall a year - makes it an ideal year-round destination and most of our featured properties have facilities suitable for all seasons. The peak holiday season is the winter months, when temperatures hover around 20-25°C during the day, becoming cooler in the evenings. The hottest months are June to September, with 30 - 40°C the norm - and temperatures reaching the mid-40s at times.
At these times, services such as air-conditioning and a swimming pool become less a luxury and more a necessity!
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